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Thursday, 9 March 2017

The Book of Whispers

The Book of Whispersby
Kimberley Starr (Text Publishing)

PB
RRP $19.99 ISBN 9 781925 3555 12

Reviewed
by Wendy Fitzgerald

Australian
author, Kimberley Starr has an MA in medieval literature and teaches English in
Melbourne. Her latest book, The Book of
Whispers won the 2015 Text Prize for best manuscript written for young
adults and children. It was published in October 2016.

The Book of Whispers is
a captivating medieval adventure story set back in the 11th century
at the time of the first crusade. It starts in the Falconi estate in San
Gimignano, Tuscany back in the Year 1096AD.
We follow young Luca on his quest from Italy, through Turkey and Syria
to Jerusalem to help free Jerusalem from the Saracens.

Luca
can see evil demons but he must hide this gift. On the way Luca meets Suzan and
they form a special bond. It is Suzan who helps Luca unravel the mysteries of
the ancient ‘Book of Whispers.’

With
the rest of the army, Luca and Suzan face bloody battles, starvation, thirst
and sickness. They must defeat the demons, Luca’s step brother and the evil
priest, Ramberti in order to save Jerusalem.

I
quote- ‘I wanted to tell a story that
made history as interesting as I’ve always found it by telling it in a way that
had characters kids could relate to with a compelling narrative that made them
keep asking what happens next.’ (Kimberley Starr)

I
really like the combination of brilliantly researched history, fantasy (the
demons and the magic book), action, suspense and romance. I connected strongly
with the characters and I like the use of duel narrative where Starr moves
cleverly from Luca to Suzan.

‘My story came from my
interest in travel and fascination with how historical events connect to modern
life,’ Starr said.

Kimberley
has definitely achieved this by addressing contemporary issues such as faith,
racism, war, displacement and colonisation.

I
loved this book and highly recommend The
Book of Whispers to readers from 14 years old and older.